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A physician later alerted police that the children’s urine tested positive for methamphetamine, which normally is detectable in urine for only two or three days after exposure, the physician told investigators.

The children had stayed with the couple for about a week at a residence in the 7500 block of East 58th Street. Police arrested the couple Friday evening.

Smith told investigators he did not know how the children could have ingested meth. He admitted having had a meth habit but said he had been clean for five years.

While searching the house, officers found meth, a firearm and ammunition. Since Smith had two prior drug felony convictions, he could not possess a firearm. A relative at the house told officers that Smith said he needed the gun for protection.